UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 19th May 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently launched the PSLV-C61 mission from Sriharikota with the objective of placing the EOS-09 satellite into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. Unfortunately, the mission encountered a failure due to an issue during the third stage of the launch.

Key Takeaways

• PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO.
• It is designed to place satellites into Sun-synchronous polar orbits (SSPOs), which are essential for Earth observation missions.

Additional Details

• PSLV Configuration: The PSLV consists of four stages that utilize a combination of solid and liquid propulsion systems.
• First Stage: Utilizes HTPB-based solid propellant (Hydroxyl-Terminated Polybutadiene) and is supported by six strap-on boosters in the XL configuration, enhancing initial thrust with a peak thrust capability of 4.8 MegaNewtons (MN).
• Second Stage: Powered by the Vikas engine, this stage employs a liquid fuel combination of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N₂O₄) as oxidizer, generating approximately 8 MN of thrust.
• Third Stage: Reverts to solid propulsion, again utilizing HTPB-based fuel.
• Fourth Stage: Features two liquid engines that burn Monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen (MON).

The PSLV has established itself as a reliable vehicle for launching satellites into various orbits, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in space technology and satellite deployment.

GS1/History & Culture

Key Facts about Jnanpith Award

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The President of India recently presented the 58th Jnanpith Award to Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Ji during a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. This recognition highlights significant contributions to Indian literature.

Key Takeaways

• The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary honor in India.
• It is awarded annually to authors for outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
• The award was established in 1961 and includes a cash prize, citation, and a bronze replica of the goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).

Additional Details

• About Jnanpith Award: It honors writers excelling in literature across various Indian languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution, as well as English.
• Established Year: The award was instituted in 1961 and is sponsored by the cultural organization Bharatiya Jnanpith, which has been fostering literature and culture since its establishment in 1944.
• First Recipient: The inaugural award was given to Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup in 1965 for his collection of poems titled Odakkuzhal.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only living Indian citizens who are creative writers can be nominated. A language that receives the award cannot be considered for the next two years, and a writer who has won cannot be nominated again.
• The award may not be conferred in a given year if the Jnanpith Award Selection Board deems that no suitable candidate meets the required standards.

In summary, the Jnanpith Award serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of literary excellence in India, promoting diverse languages and cultures through creative writing.

GS3/Science and Technology

A-to-I mRNA Editing in Animals

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recent research from China has highlighted the complexities surrounding the widespread occurrence of A-to-I mRNA editing in animals, which remains not fully understood.

Key Takeaways

• A-to-I editing alters mRNA post-transcriptionally without changing the DNA sequence.
• This editing can impact protein synthesis, potentially leading to functional diversification.
• Researchers have identified essential genes that are affected by this editing process.

Additional Details

• Concept and Mechanism: DNA serves as a recipe book for protein synthesis using 20 amino acids. Each gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated by ribosomes into proteins. The mRNA consists of four nucleotide bases: A (adenosine), U, G, and C.
• A-to-I Editing: In this process, the adenosine (A) in mRNA is enzymatically converted to inosine (I) by proteins known as ADARs (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA). The ribosome interprets inosine as guanine (G), which can modify the amino acid sequence of the protein.
• Functional Impact: A-to-I editing may change codon identity, resulting in different amino acids and affecting protein stability and activity. A significant risk includes the misreading of stop codons, such as UAG or UGA being edited to UGG, leading to the synthesis of abnormally long or malfunctioning proteins.
• Discovery of PSC Genes: Researchers identified 71 genes in graminearum containing premature stop codons (UAG) in their unedited mRNA, termed PSC (premature stop codon-containing) genes. Deleting these genes showed no impact during asexual growth but caused significant disruption during sexual development, highlighting the essential nature of A-to-I editing in these processes.

This research underscores the importance of A-to-I mRNA editing in maintaining proper protein function and development in animals, even as the reasons for its widespread occurrence continue to be a topic of investigation.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about the Canary Islands

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Recently, thousands of individuals protested against the impacts of mass tourism in Spain's Canary Islands, highlighting growing concerns over environmental sustainability and local culture preservation.

Key Takeaways

• The Canary Islands are an archipelago situated off the northwest coast of Africa, within the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Despite their geographic proximity to Africa, the Canary Islands belong to Spain and are approximately 100 km from Morocco and southwest of Spain.
• The archipelago is the largest and most populated in Macaronesia, featuring major islands such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife.
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife serves as the capital of the islands.
• The total area of the Canary Islands is 7,447 sq.km.
• The islands were formed through volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, with Teide Peak on Tenerife being the highest point at 12,198 feet (3,718 meters).
• The climate is subtropical, characterized by warm temperatures with minimal seasonal variation.
• Due to their strategic location in the Atlantic and proximity to four continents (Africa, Europe, and the Americas), the Canary Islands are a popular tourist destination.

Additional Details

• Tourism Impact: The rise in mass tourism has led to protests as locals seek to balance economic benefits with cultural and environmental preservation.
• The islands' unique geology and biodiversity contribute to their appeal, but also require careful management to protect natural resources.

The Canary Islands, with their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, will need to navigate the challenges posed by tourism to maintain their unique identity and environment for future generations.

GS2/Polity

Portugal's Political Landscape

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Portugal is transitioning towards another minority government following its recent general election, highlighting an increase in public dissatisfaction with conventional political parties.

Key Takeaways

• Portugal is the westernmost country of mainland Europe.
• It shares its only land border with Spain, located to the north and east.
• The country is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.

Additional Details

• Political System: Portugal operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic with a parliamentary democracy.
• Autonomous Regions: The country also administers two autonomous regions: the Madeira and Azores archipelagos.
• Capital: Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is recognized as one of the oldest cities in Europe and historically functioned as a major seaport during the Age of Discovery.
• Climate: Portugal experiences a maritime temperate climate, characterized by cool and rainy conditions in the north and warmer, drier weather in the south.
• Geography: The Tagus River flows westward, dividing Portugal into mountainous northern regions and rolling plains in the south. The highest point in Portugal is Ponta do Pico (Pico Alto), located in the Azores.

In conclusion, the political dynamics in Portugal are shifting, reflecting broader trends in voter sentiment and governance, which could have significant implications for the country's future.

GS2/Governance

Copyright’s Tryst with Generative AI

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The evolution of copyright law has been notably influenced by technological advancements, from its inception in 1710 to the challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence (AI). This raises critical questions about copyright's ability to adapt to modern innovations while balancing the rights of creators and public access to knowledge.

Key Takeaways

• Copyright law originated as a response to the printing press, aimed at protecting creators' rights.
• The digital age has transformed content distribution, necessitating stronger copyright protections.
• Generative AI introduces complexities regarding copyright, as it creates new content from existing datasets without direct copying.
• Legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with technological advancements, leading to disputes over AI training practices.

Additional Details

• Origins of Copyright: The Statute of Anne (1710) marked the first modern copyright law, granting rights to authors and publishers to control the use of their works, thereby promoting creativity and learning.
• The Impact of Digital Age: The internet has revolutionized content sharing, leading to the need for digital rights management (DRM) and anti-piracy laws to protect creators.
• Generative AI Challenges: Unlike traditional copying, AI systems learn from extensive datasets to produce new outputs, raising questions about copyright infringement and ethical considerations in ownership and compensation.
• Legal Crossroads: Companies like OpenAI face legal scrutiny over their training methods, with lawsuits highlighting the complexities of copyright law across different jurisdictions, particularly in India and the U.S.
• Future of Copyright: The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for copyright law to adapt and ensure it protects creators while fostering innovation in AI technologies.

In conclusion, while generative AI presents new challenges to copyright law, it also offers an opportunity to reassess the law's principles, ensuring it remains relevant in an evolving technological landscape. A balanced approach is essential to protect creators' rights without stifling innovation.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Indrayani River

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has recently taken action by demolishing 36 illegal bungalows from the River Villa project, which were located within the blue flood line of the Indrayani River in Chikhali.

Key Takeaways

• The Indrayani River is situated in Maharashtra and is a tributary of the Bhima River, which in turn is a tributary of the Krishna River.
• This rain-fed river originates from the Western Ghats near the hill station of Lonavala and flows through Pune district, eventually merging into the Bhima River at Tulapur.
• It spans a length of 103.5 kilometers.
• The river holds significant religious importance, with two sacred towns, Alandi and Dehu, located along its banks.

Additional Details

• Religious Significance: The Indrayani River is regarded as a sacred location, particularly known for being the hometown of the poet Saint Tukaram, a revered figure in Maharashtra's cultural history.
• Infrastructure: The river passes through the industrial town of Pimpri-Chinchwad and is essential for irrigation and local agriculture.
• The Valvan Dam, located at Kamshet on the Indrayani River, serves as a hydroelectric generating station, contributing to energy needs.

In summary, the Indrayani River not only plays a crucial role in the geography and ecology of Maharashtra but also holds substantial cultural and religious significance for the local communities.

GS3/Environment

Mahadayi Water Dispute

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

A protest has erupted in Goa following the release of a scientific paper that discusses water availability and diversion in the Mahadayi basin, reigniting the long-standing water dispute between Goa and Karnataka.

Key Takeaways

• The Mahadayi River, also known as Mhadei in Goa, originates in Karnataka and flows through multiple states before reaching the Arabian Sea.
• The river plays a crucial role in providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and facilitating navigation in Goa.
• The ongoing water dispute involves Karnataka's proposal to divert water from the Mahadayi River to the Malaprabha basin.

Additional Details

• About the Mahadayi River:
  • Origin: The river originates in Bhimgad, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats.
  • Length and Flow: It flows for 81 km, traversing 35 km in Karnataka, 45 km in Goa, and 1 km in Maharashtra.
  • Basin Area: It covers an area of 2,032 sq km, with 78% in Goa, 18% in Karnataka, and 4% in Maharashtra.
  • Significance: It forms the Mandovi River, which is essential for drinking water, agriculture, and navigation in Goa.
  • Tributaries: Includes Kalasa Nala, Surla Nala, Haltar Nala, and others.
• Topography: The elevation varies between < 0m="" and="" /> 980m above Mean Sea Level, with significant slopes in the Ghats.
• Waterfalls: The varied terrain has led to the formation of notable waterfalls like Doodhsagar and Vajra Poha.
• Ecology: The area supports rich biodiversity, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
• Mineral Ores: The region contains iron, limestone, bauxite, quartz, and several other minerals.

The Mahadayi Water Dispute involves Karnataka's proposal for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project to divert water to the Malaprabha basin. The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal was established in 2010 to address these disagreements, delivering a verdict in 2018 that outlined the water allocation. Concerns remain regarding the potential impact on Goa's Mandovi navigation and ecology.

Moreover, a recent report from CSIR-NIO claimed that Karnataka's water diversions would have minimal impact on Goa's water resources or estuarine navigation, suggesting alternative measures like check dams for shared water use. Legal challenges by both states continue, highlighting the complexities of interstate water disputes in India.

GS3/Environment

How Live Baiting Endangers Tigers in India

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Kankati, a 23-month-old tigress in Ranthambore, has recently killed two people within a month. Raised alongside her siblings with live bait provided to their ailing mother, Arrowhead, this exposure has led to a loss of fear towards humans. Experts express concern that Kankati and her siblings may pose a threat to forest staff and visitors.

Key Takeaways

• Live baiting is prohibited but not banned for injured tigers.
• There is a tension between misplaced kindness and the natural order of wildlife.
• Excessive human intervention disrupts the natural dynamics of tiger populations.

Additional Details

• Live Baiting: This practice involves offering live prey to predators. Historically, it was utilized by British hunters to lure tigers for easier shooting.
• Use in Tiger Tourism: Post-Independence, live baiting became prevalent in tiger reserves to attract tourists until it was banned in 1982 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Continued Use in Conflict Situations: Despite the tourism ban, live baiting persists in conflict scenarios to trap big cats, often using goats or dogs as bait.
• Present-Day Practice: Currently, live baiting mainly serves to feed injured or aging tigers unable to hunt, typically involving buffalo calves every week or ten days.
• NTCA's Conservation Principle: The National Tiger Conservation Authority emphasizes minimal human intervention in wild tiger management, as artificial feeding disrupts natural selection.
• Risks of Artificial Feeding: Feeding wild tigers can lead to habituation to humans, increasing the likelihood of conflict, including attacks on livestock or people.
• Expert View: Conservationists advocate that baiting should only be a temporary emergency measure, limited to cases like injured tigresses with cubs, and should not exceed a frequency of once every two weeks for more than three months.
• The Case of the Guda Cubs: Cub T36, raised on bait, was killed by a wild rival, while his sister T37 survived due to reduced competition among female tigers.
• Simba’s Story: Simba, another cub raised on bait, died from injuries sustained during a failed hunt, highlighting the consequences of inadequate survival skills.
• Geriatric Care for Tigers: The extension of baiting to aged tigers, like Machhli, has led to unnatural lifespan extensions, raising concerns about human interference.
• Culture of Intervention: Increasing tourist demands for tiger care have led to excessive human involvement, disrupting natural dynamics in reserves across India.
• Experts' Conclusion: The best conservation strategy emphasizes preserving natural habitats and prey, allowing wildlife to thrive without unnecessary human care.

In summary, while the intentions behind live baiting may stem from compassion, it ultimately undermines the survival instincts of tigers and poses risks to both the animals and humans. A shift towards preserving natural ecosystems is essential for the long-term health of tiger populations in India.

GS3/Environment

Seasonal Impact of Monsoons on Wind Power

Source: India Today

Why in News?

The arrival of the cool, moisture-laden monsoon winds not only provides relief from heat but also presents a significant opportunity for generating wind energy across India.

Key Takeaways

• The term "monsoon" is derived from Arabic and Malayan words meaning "season."
• Monsoons are seasonal winds that change direction with the seasons, primarily affecting weather patterns and agriculture.
• India's southwestern monsoon brings rainfall vital for agriculture, while the northeastern monsoon primarily affects southeastern India.

Additional Details

• Role of Tibet: The Tibetan Plateau heats up during summer, creating low pressure that attracts moist winds, which are crucial for monsoon formation.
• Ocean Influence: A high-pressure system in the southern Indian Ocean helps drive the southwest monsoon, impacting wind and rainfall patterns.
• Atmospheric Factors: Elements such as the Subtropical Jet Stream, Tropical Easterly Jet, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) significantly influence monsoon behavior.
• Other factors like the Somali Jet, Somali Current, Indian Ocean Dipole, and Walker Cell also play roles in the variability of monsoons.

Impact on Wind Variability

• Changing Wind Speeds: Wind speeds vary in strength and direction over time and location, impacting energy generation.
• Energy Planning: Accurate predictions of wind behavior are essential for renewable power management, particularly for wind energy initiatives.
• Agricultural Demand: The Kharif crops, which are planted in June, rely on the monsoon, increasing seasonal energy demand.
• Wind Energy Output: In regions like the Western Ghats, approximately 70% of wind energy is produced during the monsoon months from June to September.

Forecasting Tools

• Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Models: These models provide high-resolution wind forecasts essential for planning.
• AI Models: Advanced tools, such as Google’s MetNet3, utilize satellite and radar data to predict wind patterns, particularly in remote areas.

India’s Wind Energy: Capacity, Growth & Challenges

• By 2024, India became the third-largest producer of wind and solar energy, following China and the USA.
• The installed wind capacity reached 50 GW as of March 31, 2025.
• In 2024, wind and solar energy contributed 10% to electricity generation, with solar at 7% and wind at 3%, alongside 8% from hydro sources.
• Wind energy grew by 3.4 GW in 2024, with significant contributions from states like Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Targets: India aims to achieve 140 GW of wind and 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Wind farms utilize only 2% of land, permitting agricultural use of the remaining area, with a Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) of 16% to 19%, peaking during monsoon months.

Question:

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of:

• (a) Equatorial climate
• (b) Mediterranean climate
• (c) Monsoon climate *
• (d) All of the above climates

GS2/Polity

A Caste Census is Not a Silver Bullet for Social Justice

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The recent decision by the Narendra Modi-led government to incorporate caste enumeration in the upcoming national Census has reignited discussions on social justice and equality in India. This move aims to address systemic inequalities, particularly among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), but it has also been met with skepticism regarding its true impact and political motivations.

Key Takeaways

• The inclusion of caste data in the Census is seen as a step towards addressing socio-economic disparities.
• Critics argue that reliance on data alone may not lead to effective policy changes.
• Historical context shows that significant social justice initiatives often stem from political mobilization rather than data.

Additional Details

• Empirical Foundation: Proponents believe a caste census will provide a factual basis to assess the socio-economic realities of caste groups, especially OBCs. This can improve the targeting of affirmative action policies and enhance the legitimacy of welfare programs.
• Political Will: Effective social justice requires more than just data; it demands moral courage and decisive leadership. Past initiatives have shown that political pressure and moral resolve are crucial in shaping impactful policies.
• Existing Data: There is already significant data on caste disparities, such as those collected from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in previous Censuses and surveys. However, transformative actions based on this data remain insufficient.

In conclusion, while a caste census could enhance our understanding of social hierarchies, it is not a comprehensive solution for achieving social justice. The real challenge lies in the commitment of leaders to dismantle entrenched inequalities and create opportunities for marginalized citizens. Only through action, rather than mere enumeration, can justice truly be realized.